Evaluation of African Elephant Activity Levels

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Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, for both humans and animals. This study examines the activity levels of African elephants housed at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo using the Actigraph accelerometer, a type of pedometer the elephants wear on customized "bracelets." Gathering this information provides a baseline for activity levels of these animals, allowing us to monitor the influence of enrichment to increase activity levels. Additionally, we will use this information to monitor the effect of increased enclosure size with the new exhibit -- African Elephant Crossing.